Hazard trees to be removed at Priest Lake campground
A tree suffers woodpecker damage and rot at Lionhead Campground in Priest Lake State Park.
Photo courtesy Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
PRIEST LAKE — Many trees in and around Priest Lake State Park’s Lionhead Campground will be removed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation staff in the coming months.
In a press release, the department said a combination of rot, age, and insect infestation has weakened many grand fir, hemlock, western white pine, and cedar trees. With a potential to fall in windy or wet conditions, the trees present a danger to campers.
Work has begun and will be completed by the end of 2024, according to IDPR natural resource manager Keith Jones.
Jones added that when the project is complete, the visible impact at the campground will be noticeable.
“There’s a clear and present danger,” Jones said. “It will be a stark change, but safety has to come first.”
IDPR plans to rehabilitate the forest around the campground after the hazard trees are removed. Lionhead Campground is closed for the winter; it will reopen May 22, 2025.